King Kong has been roaring through pop culture since 1932—and now, he’s storming the world of pinball.
Stern Pinball’s brand-new release, King Kong: Myth of Terror Island, is already generating serious buzz. With deep lore, wild gameplay, and an animatronic gorilla ready to wreck shop, this is no ordinary licensed machine—it’s a cinematic adventure designed for pinball.
Whether you’re operating a high-traffic arcade or curating the perfect home game room, this machine is destined to turn heads, spark nostalgia, and keep players coming back for more.
A Tribute to Kong’s Cinematic Roots—And a Deep Pinball Easter Egg
King Kong has influenced nearly every medium—film, TV, comics, games, art—for nearly a century. But pinball? That’s been a slower climb... until now.
What makes this release even more legendary is Stern’s subtle tribute to Data East’s unreleased King Kong prototype from the late '80s. That machine never made it past the concept stage, but die-hard fans might recognize elements in this new playfield’s art and insert design—a nod that’s thrilling long-time collectors and pinball historians alike.
As one fan perfectly put it via the Stern Pinball Enthusiasts Facebook Group:
“35 years later, some of the playfield art and insert design of the original unreleased King Kong pinball prototype by Data East was paid homage in the new 2025 release. This is a superduper deep, nerdy cut… but I thought that was pretty slick.”
It is slick. Stern’s attention to detail and love of legacy continue to set the gold standard for modern pinball.
An Epic Journey to Terror Island
In Myth of Terror Island, players join Ann Darrow, Jack Driscoll, and filmmaker Carl Denham on their doomed voyage to a mysterious island—only to end up unleashing Kong on New York City. It’s part jungle expedition, part monster rampage, and all pinball magic.
Gameplay highlights include:
- A custom-sculpted animatronic Kong that reacts to player shots—complete with arm swings and torso twists
- The Gong bash toy that summons Kong and unleashes multiball madness
- A train car destruction mechanic where Kong flips the car over when you lock balls
- “The Pit” on Terror Island, featuring a giant spider that grabs your ball magnetically
- A helix-shaped Biplane ramp, river log diverter, and hidden river path
- Four flippers, a punch-back Kong target, drop targets, up-kickers, and hidden shots
- Original voiceovers including Brian “Q” Quinn (Impractical Jokers) and a star-studded supporting cast
This game doesn’t just play well—it feels like you’re in the middle of a blockbuster.
Home Collectors: Get Ready to Go Ape
Collectors, this one’s calling your name.
Not only is this game loaded with Stern’s signature quality and depth—it also includes an ultra-limited LE model, capped at just 932 units globally, in tribute to King Kong’s original 1932 debut.
The Limited Edition includes:
- King Kong-themed Speaker Expression Lighting System
- Hand-drawn art on reflective foil decals
- Full-color mirrored backglass
- Custom art deco armor, signed designer arch, shaker motor & upgraded audio
- Anti-reflection glass, numbered plaque, and Insider Connected LE badge
This is the kind of machine that becomes a centerpiece in your collection—and only gets more sought after with time.
For Operators: This Beast Will Bring the Foot Traffic
While collectors will scramble to bring Kong home, arcades and FECs should pay close attention too. This machine combines name recognition, jaw-dropping visuals, and addictive gameplay—a winning combo that earns big.
At Player One Amusement Group, we help venues bring in high-performing machines like this one.
Plus, with Stern Insider Connected, you’ll be able to run location-specific challenges, track usage, and keep your Kong machine fresh with over-the-air updates and achievements.
This Is Just the Beginning...
With Stern’s pedigree (think Godzilla, Jurassic Park, and JAWS), and this kind of theme power, King Kong is poised to be one of the biggest titles of the year. The machine just launched—and you can bet it’ll be in high demand fast.
Whether you’re looking to give your arcade a monstrous upgrade, or you’re a collector looking for a grail-worthy addition, this one’s not to be missed.
